Mock Nutrigrain Bars
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Recipe Category: Breakfast
Servings: 18 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Description:
These Mock Nutrigrain Bars are the perfect breakfast-on-the-go. Easy to make and budget-friendly, they are a great option for busy mornings. Wrapped individually, these homemade cereal bars offer a convenient snack packed with flavor and nutrients. You can use apricot, raspberry, strawberry, or any other jam flavor of your choice to make the filling layer customizable. Ideal for busy families or anyone needing a quick breakfast or snack option, these bars are sure to be a hit with all ages.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oatmeal | 1 cup |
| Margarine (melted) | 2 1/2 tablespoons |
| Butter (melted) | 3/4 cup |
| Water | 12 tablespoons |
| Jam (any flavor) | 1 to 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285.9 kcal |
| Fat | 11.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.6 mg |
| Sodium | 281.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 42.8 g |
| Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Sugar | 21.6 g |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of oatmeal with 2 1/2 tablespoons of melted margarine and 3/4 cup of melted butter. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed, and the oats are coated evenly. -
Set the First Layer in the Pan:
Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly grease it. Press half of the oatmeal mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating an even layer. Make sure it’s compact to hold together once baked. -
Add the Jam Layer:
In a separate bowl, combine 12 tablespoons of water with your preferred jam (apricot, raspberry, strawberry, etc.). Stir the mixture well to create a smooth, slightly runny jam. Spoon this jam mixture evenly over the oatmeal base layer in the pan, spreading it out to cover the surface completely. -
Top with Remaining Oatmeal Mixture:
Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the jam layer, covering it evenly. Press it down gently to ensure the topping sticks to the jam layer beneath. -
Bake the Bars:
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and bake for about 20 minutes. The bars are ready when the top turns lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them as they bake to prevent over-browning. -
Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into individual servings. This cooling period helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.
Tips:
-
Jam Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam, such as peach, blueberry, or even a mix of your favorites. You can also use sugar-free or low-sugar jams for a healthier twist.
-
Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
-
Customization: Add a sprinkle of ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, or chopped nuts to the oatmeal mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
Why Youโll Love These Bars:
These homemade Mock Nutrigrain Bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also adaptable to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or something to pack in your kids’ lunchboxes, these bars have you covered. Plus, with the option to customize the jam flavor, they can be enjoyed year-round. They’re budget-friendly, and you’ll have enough to share with a crowd.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying treat thatโs perfect for busy mornings.
Keywords:
Mock Nutrigrain Bars, Breakfast Bars, Cereal Bars, Quick Breakfast, Easy Breakfast, Homemade Snack, Jam Bars, Breakfast On-The-Go, Simple Recipes, Family-Friendly Breakfast, Budget-Friendly Snacks, Kid-Friendly Recipes
